Left Arm Around

Josh Hazlewood takes four wickets to leave the tourists struggling on 68 for seven at the end of day three.

After rain disrupted much of day two, the hosts began the third day 116 for two, still trailing by 197 runs.

The experienced pair of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith set about building a total, however their partnership of 79 was broken when Smith saw his extravagant drive caught by Babar Azam at short-extra cover.

A beautiful off-spin delivery from Salman Agha castled into Labuschagne’s stumps the next over, before Travis Head was pinned in front by Aamer Jamal, leaving the Aussies in some trouble at 205 for five.

Mitchell Marsh continued his brilliant form with a composed 56 as he combined with Alex Carey, however when the pair were gone the innings soon concluded with Australia bowled out for 299.

Newbie Aamer Jamal continued his fine start to Test cricket as he claimed six for 69, his second “fifer” in three matches.

Pakistan soon found themselves in trouble as Abdullah Shafique departed for a pair and Shan Masood for a golden duck.

Debutant Saim Ayub and Babar Azam briefly rallied as they battled to 58 for two, however Ayub’s dismissal to Nathan Lyon triggered an astonishing collapse of five wickets for nine runs.

Babar Azam’s knock of 23 ended a disappointing tour for the former captain as he finished the series with 126 runs at a disappointing average of 21.

Josh Hazlewood was the star for Australia in removing Masood, Shakeel, Sajid and Agha; his dazzling spell of bowling resulting in figures of four wickets for nine runs in five overs.

Closing on 68 for seven with a lead of just 82, the tourists face an uphill task to avoid another defeat in Sydney.

David Warner, playing his 112th and final test, will look to end in style as the Aussies aim to complete a brilliant series whitewash.